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I would like to ask: generally, carbon steel bolts are not allowed to be used for connecting stainless steel flanges. However, for the stainless steel absorption tower manufactured by a supplier for our company some time ago, all the bolts used to connect the flanges (the flanges that connect the tower body and the tower interfaces) were made of carbon steel. The supplier’s explanations are as follows: 1. According to the design specifications for pressure vessels, stainless steel bolts cannot be used for the connection and sealing of such equipment; moreover, it is impossible to perform proper calculations related to the performance of such equipment using stainless steel bolts. 2. Stainless steel bolts have lower strength and greater elongation rates. Under the operating conditions of pressure vessels, it is not possible to ensure proper sealing of the pressure and liquids inside the vessel. The tighter these stainless steel bolts are tightened, the more they stretch – hence they should not be used at all. Are these explanations correct? I would appreciate some guidance from an expert. Thank you!
Stainless steel equipment flanges must be fitted with stainless steel bolts. Even if stainless steel bolts cannot be provided, high-strength alloy steel bolts can be used instead. Generally, the materials of the flange and bolts need to be matched.